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I’ve got a nifty list of gift ides, dream products for quilters, and a few must have’s too!

OLFA Rotary Circle CutterLarge Self-Healing Cutting Mat — Mine is on it’s last leg!Instant Design WallSuper Satchel Thread Box10 Yards Moda Muslin Bleached WhiteGingher 8-Inch Shears — I mostly use my rotary cutter, but having a great pair of shears is so nice – these are on my list!Quilt Display RackBinding ClipsElectric Quilt Company Amy Butler Software 22 Sewing ProjectsEasy Dresden Quilting Ruler — This is such a fun tool!EQ6 Quilt Design Software — This is on my list too, but I need a new computer first! :/And if you are buying for a reader – you might consider a book suggested to me by my blog readers.

feels a bit hurried! And it’s just Monday morning – I don’t think that’s a good thing. I had fun over the weekend, out by myself shopping – I met Marie and Pamela down at Tom and Lucy’s Art Shoppe, and started Christmas shopping for my kids! I know – I have a bit (LOT) of shopping to do!

We are hosting Thanksgiving with a few friends, everyone is bringing a few favorite dishes to ensure a true feast. Joe is in charge of the turkey this year, we will brine and fry it outside. Then mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green salad, fresh cranberry sauce, and an indulgent chocolate bread pudding. You all need to try that bread pudding!

A few things that have come through my inbox recently!From Lark –
We’re very excited to announce an online Quilt It! Contest running from October 15 to January 5. The contest will be open to the public and invites crafters to create and submit a photo of a quilt. And there’s a cool catch: the quilt has to be made with 3 of 5 elements-birds, mountains, silver, recycled materials, and paper. Sound like a fun challenge? We hope so! Read more about it here. We’re offering a grand prize as well as 4 additional category prizes.

HEN is really excited about the launch of the first issue of their new online embroidery magazine ‘NEEDLE’ later this month. If you would like to submit an article or interested in FREE advertising follow the links!

–This week seems to be flying by! Today is the end of the first quarter for my girls in school, and so tomorrow is a day off for us – love it. I’ve got lots to do and I’m hoping it’s nice and warm so they can play outside all afternoon! I actually got my shorts back out to go walking yesterday – crazy warm (70F) for this time of year.

–The dishwasher is getting two new parts. Did you know that you can turn it upside down, find the problem and replace the parts? A little help from google and the GE site, and we should be back in business this evening! Just so we are clear – Joe did the hard part, I did the google part :)

So, I have taken on a big project — A big project with deadlines and secrecy. I can’t tell you about it yet, but the moment I can, you will be the first to know!

But the project (which I sought out) has got me thinking a little crazy. Like I must deep clean the entire house – this week! or that my desk and book case must be purged! I can attest to the fact that my house is much cleaner, but sadly I know it won’t last. Within 5 minutes of walking into the living room my kids have disassembled the blankets/quilts and pillows on the couches. They love to make a pile to jump in – much like a pile of leaves outside.

Prior to the Quilt Festival, Michelle of Rosebud Quilting, asked me for my address and favorite color. (She’s one of the lovely sponsors getting a package off to a winner this week!) I guessed that she was sending fabric – but didn’t expect this :5 – 1 yard cuts of the very fabrics I’ve been stalking online! Even in her shop on occasion :)

Thank you Michelle – I think a new bag is in order for starters, and then a dress for a princess or two!

If you haven’t checked out the list of winners – there’s still a few I’m hoping to hear from by tomorrow morning.

One thing about blogging is how small the world really becomes through my computer. I’m pretty sure you all have felt the same in the last few days with our Quilt Festival! Without this online community I would not have had the chance to meet Lisa –I was recently given an opportunity to select a necklace from Lisa Leonard, customized and everything! I spent the better part of one day looking over all the designs, and considering my options. Honestly, I could have chosen a number of options but found myself drawn to the simplicity of this open circle. And while I did consider putting my kids’ names on it, I decided to make it more about my creativity and what I do here.

I feel like it’s been a while! A bunch of randomness that I need to put down –

After posting on Monday, I proceeded to not sew, but clean instead. “Operation Clean Floors” was a huge success, for about an hour, then, well you know! Kids – gotta love the messes that come with them :)

Yesterday I pulled out the machine during nap time to sew up that stack, and have just now ironed them! I will pin again and hope for a chance to sew later this evening.

Emmalie has missed kindergarten this week, so far, with a touch of the flu bug :( And so, I now need to bleach the house again, and pray that it passes quickly!

My doll quilt was received by Emma! She loves it, had commented and added … Read More »

The Flea Market Fancy petition is gaining in number (nearly 500), if you haven’t been over there yet – go! Denyse Schmidt actually signed it recently too! Also, there is a poll giving you a voice as to color WHEN the line goes to be printed again – I’m just trusting and hoping :)

My friend Penny has taken on a new project – Getting Free Spirit to reprint Flea Market Fancy! Do you love the Denyse Schmidt, Flea Market Fancy collection?Click the picture to show your support and sign the linky/petition – let your voice be heard! Penny has already been in touch with the manufacturer, with some good news too. It just takes a moment to participate, add the blog to your reader too and keep up with the latest news!

I stayed up late last night so I could look through thisall by myself! Cath Kidston Catalog and Magazine all in one – so much pretty in one spot!Just look at this kitchen! Changing accessories and adding color to the table made a huge improvement!Beautiful ironing board covers too.Encouraging the sewist in everyone :)It all came to and end too quickly – I’m hanging on to this one for more inspiration!Speaking of pretty — the blocks made with my embroidery are showing up in the flickr group! I’m excited to see it all come together :)

In case you haven’t guessed already – I haven’t made it to my sewing machine lately. I’m getting motivated right now – I really need to get a few things taken care of :)

Last fall I had the opportunity to do a couple of TV spots, which have made their way to your local PBS stations at...

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